The dry leaf of this Keyhung Assam Black Tea from Darlene’s Tea Port is a CTC leaf. Neither the dry leaf nor the brewed tea has a very strong aroma, just a slight leathery note.

But the flavor is robust! It’s got that bold flavor that I want in an Assam – something that will give you that strong kick in the butt when you need it. This tea will shake the sleepy right out of you.

It’s not a real “malty” Assam, although there are some malty tones to it. I would call this more like a wine-y Assam with fruit notes and a fair amount of dry astringency. It’s sweet with a thick texture, and the aftertaste is clean.

An enjoyable Assam, one that would hold up well to the addition of milk and honey, if you like that in your breakfast tea.

Anne (aka the Mad Tea Artist) has celebrated her 29th birthday for many years now. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her hubby and her youngest daughter. Her oldest daughter is married and has bestowed Anne with the proud title of "Gramma" and her grandson is about the cutest boy you ever did see.

Anne started her journey with tea as a casual drinker and became more serious about her tea drinking when she realized that she couldn't drink coffee. Shortly thereafter, she started becoming obsessed with the beverage and she started creating small-batch, artisan blends of tea that she sold online as LiberTEAS. After a few years, she realized she wasn't cut out to be the sole proprietor of a business so she closed LiberTEAS and started reviewing teas online. She met Jennifer through another blog that they both reviewed for and they decided to start their own review blog. This review blog!

Throughout her journey as a tea reviewer, she discovered 52Teas and became enamored with the idea of creating a new tea every week. When the founder of 52Teas decided he wanted to move on, he offered the business to Anne but knowing that she wasn't cut out to be a sole proprietor, she instead offered the company to her oldest daughter who employs her as the Mad Tea Artist for 52Teas!